Empire State University and Brentwood High School Launch Groundbreaking Spanish-Language Initiative for High School Students

The dual enrollment partnership fosters access to higher education by eliminating the language barrier. 

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — July 24, 2025) In a bold step toward educational equity and access, Empire State University has partnered with Brentwood High School to launch a first-of-its-kind initiative offering college-level business courses in Spanish to high-achieving high school students. This innovative program is designed to empower Spanish-speaking students with early exposure to higher education and a clear pathway to a Bachelor of Business Administration (Spanish BBA) degree in their native language. 

Brentwood High School, located in Suffolk County, Long Island, serves a student body that is approximately 80% Spanish-speaking. Recognizing the need for culturally and linguistically responsive education, the school has identified 20 academically distinguished 11th and 12th graders to participate in the dual enrollment initiative’s inaugural cohort. 

Luis Camacho, academic coordinator for the Spanish BBA and assistant professor of business and marketing, said: “Offering a bachelor’s degree in business administration entirely in Spanish not only acknowledges the linguistic wealth of our communities, but also provides students with a tangible opportunity to advance academically without giving up their identity.” 

Beginning in fall 2025, students will take Introduction to Business, followed by Marketing in spring 2026. These courses are core components of SUNY Empire’s Spanish BBA program and will count toward both high school completion and college credit. 

Jason Lloyd, assistant director of community partnerships, said: “This partnership is about more than just coursework—it’s about creating opportunity. By offering these courses in Spanish, we’re removing a major barrier and opening the door to higher education for students who have historically been underserved.” 

Brentwood High School is covering all costs associated with the program, including tuition, books, and materials. A bilingual teacher at the school will serve as the teacher of record, working closely with SUNY Empire faculty to deliver instruction. Students will also receive support through the university’s Office of Student Success and other comprehensive wraparound services. 

The program includes customized orientation sessions to prepare students for the college experience, including how to navigate online learning, communicate with instructors, and access academic resources. 

This partnership represents a significant step toward enhancing educational opportunities for Spanish-speaking students in the Brentwood community, aligning with SUNY Empire’s commitment to fostering equitable access, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. 

Read more about the Spanish BBA.